Tag: wwe hall of fame

Ken Shamrock’s name mentioned for potential WWE Hall of Fame induction

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Ken Shamrock has been mentioned as a potential addition to the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame class.

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that, while not confirmed yet, Shamrock’s name has been “bandied about” for a potential induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. The ceremony is taking place during WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas next month with Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Michelle McCool, Lex Luger, and The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Typhoon) already announced for the class.

“As had been reported a few weeks ago, Earthquake John Tenta and Fred ‘Typhoon/Tugboat’ Ottman will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at the 4/18 ceremony in Las Vegas at the Fontainebleau Hotel,” Meltzer wrote. “While not yet announced, Ken Shamrock’s name has been bandied about as well.”

The 61-year-old Shamrock is already a member of the UFC Hall of Fame and TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame. A star during the Attitude Era, his WWE accomplishments included Intercontinental and Tag Team title reigns. He was also the winner of the 1998 King of the Ring tournament.

During an appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet last year, Shamrock said joining the WWE Hall of Fame would be a “true thrill,” but he isn’t losing any sleep over not being in yet. Shamrock loved his time in pro wrestling and his happy with the way his life turned out. He noted that he is under a Legends contract with WWE.

The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is happening late Friday night on April 18 during Mania week. The ceremony will stream live on Peacock and WWE’s social media channels.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson filmed an induction speech for Shamrock when he was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame in 2020.

Natural Disasters confirmed for 2025 WWE Hall of Fame class

Posted on by Joseph Currier

While their induction was already all but confirmed, The Natural Disasters are now officially part of the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame class.

WWE announced today that Earthquake (John Tenta) & Typhoon (Fred Ottman) will be inducted into the company’s Hall of Fame next month during WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas. They join Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Michelle McCool, and Lex Luger in the class.

Tenta, who died of cancer at 42 years old in 2006, is being inducted posthumously. Earlier this month, Ottman spoke to Sportskeeda WrestleBinge about their impending induction and the friendship they shared together.

“He was literally my brother from another mother. I’d tell him that all the time because we’d cut up and joke and have a good time and John was just so amazing as an athlete. I was proud when they put us together,” Ottman said. “It was great. I never had to worry about him, he never had to worry about me. We were always where we were supposed to be. We’d be early, and whatever needed to be done, we did. And that makes for perfect business.”

The two were one-time WWF Tag Team Champions together in the early 1990s. Levesque praised them as two unsung heroes of that generation’s tag team division:

Ottman is being inducted as Typhoon but is perhaps best remembered for playing the character Tugboat during his WWF run.

Tenta was a sumo wrestler before starting his pro wrestling career in Japan. Among his career highlights as a singles competitor was a memorable feud with Hulk Hogan in the WWF.

The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is taking place on Friday, April 18 at the BleauLive Theater at the Fontainebleau hotel in Vegas. Kamala is also rumored to be part of this year’s class, though his induction has not been made official.

Report: WWE considering Kamala for Hall of Fame induction

Posted on by Joseph Currier

One of the most memorable pro wrestling characters of the 1980s is reportedly being considered for this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class.

WrestleVotes reports that Kamala — the late James Harris — is being discussed internally as a potential inductee for the WWE Hall of Fame. WrestleVotes says he is expected to be added to the 2025 class, though that has not been announced by WWE yet.

“According to sources, another name being discussed internally for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is ‘The Ugandan Giant’ Kamala,” WrestleVotes tweeted. “Kamala, who had a successful career throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, is expected to join Triple H, Lex Luger, and others in this year’s class.”

Kamala passed away of a heart attack at 70 years old in 2020 after complications from diabetes and COVID-19. His battle with diabetes caused him to lose both legs toward the end of his life.

Before adopting the Kamala gimmick in 1982, he wrestled under the name “Sugar Bear” Harris. Kamala went on to become a star in Memphis, Mid South, World Class Championship Wrestling, and the WWF. Some of his most notable opponents included Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Jerry Lawler.

The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is being held at the BleauLive Theater at the Fontainebleau hotel in Las Vegas on Friday, April 18. Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Michelle McCool, and Lex Luger have been officially confirmed for the class, with The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Typhoon) also set to be added.

Lex Luger informed WWE that Sting is preferred choice for Hall of Fame induction

Posted on by Josh Nason

Lex Luger would like Sting to induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame next month, but that’s far from a guarantee to happen.

Reported by Fightful Select on Wednesday, Luger and those close to him informed WWE that his longtime tag team partner would be his “preferred choice” to induct him during WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas. Sting will be in Las Vegas to take part in various non-WWE festivities and events during the week.

However, Sting is still under contract with AEW in some form and it’s assumed they would have to clear the appearance. It’s unknown if they have been contacted by WWE to do just that, but Fightful Select also noted “WWE was planning to make overtures if they hadn’t already about making that happen.”

Sting retired a champion at March 2024’s Revolution after he and Darby Allin successfully defended the AEW Tag Team titles against the Young Bucks. Luger was in attendance, but was asked by WWE to not be shown on camera which he agreed to. The 66-year-old is under a WWE Legends deal.

Friends and rivals throughout their careers, Luger and Sting held the WCW World Tag Team titles for 156 days in 1996. The last time they shared a ring together was at a 2003 TNA pay-per-view on opposite sides of a tag team match.

Sting was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.

Luger, Triple H and Michelle McCool have been officially announced for the ceremony which will take place on Friday, April 18th at 1 AM Eastern/10 PM Pacific at the BleauLive Theater in Las Vegas.

Lex Luger ‘overwhelmed’ by reaction to WWE Hall of Fame announcement

Posted on by Ian Carey

Lex Luger says he is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support he’s received since being announced for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Triple H, Michelle McCool, and Luger have been announced thus far for next month’s ceremony in Las Vegas. During a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, Luger said he wasn’t sure he’d ever be given the honor.

“If you told me 20 years ago I’d even have anything to do with the wrestling business ever again at the place I was in—I’d almost given up hope of it ever happening. To go from there to 20 years later to being announced in the Hall of Fame…,” Luger said before getting too choked up to speak.

“Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and congratulations shown by the incredible wrestling fans, family, and friends!!! So honored and filled with gratitude. Thank you Lord!!!” Luger posted to X shortly after the announcement.

Luger also credited Diamond Dallas Page for helping to bring about his induction. In early 2024, Luger went to stay at DDP’s place in Florida to take part in the DDP Yoga program to improve his mobility. Luger has used the assistance of a wheelchair since suffering a spinal stroke in 2007. DDP built a guest room for Luger, dubbed “The Total Package Suite.”

“Sting’s my best friend, but man, DDP and I have spent the last year together working out. I don’t think any of this might have happened at all without him. Him and his wife, they are special people, I’m telling you,” Luger continued.

Luger, who has been under a WWE Legends deal for a decade, said he hopes he can stand and possibly walk for his induction, something he and DDP are working on.

“I hope I can stand and maybe even walk, but we’re not there yet. But man, we’ve got a few weeks left,” Luger said.

Luger says there are two people he would like to induct him, but they need to get cleared by WWE management.

“I have two guys in mind. It’s got to go up through the chain of command with various people. So, we shall see, stay tuned,” he said.

The WWE Hall of Fame 2025 induction is scheduled for Friday, April 18, at the Fontainebleau hotel in Las Vegas. It will air live on Peacock and WWE’s social channels.

Luger’s full appearance on the show is available below:

WWE reveals location & time for 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony

Posted on by Joseph Currier

With WrestleMania season ramping up, WWE has finally revealed the details for this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony.

The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place at the BleauLive Theater at the Fontainebleau hotel in Las Vegas on Friday, April 18, It will stream live on Peacock in the United States and WWE’s social media channels starting at 1 a.m. Eastern/10 p.m. Pacific.

Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Michelle McCool, and Lex Luger are the first three inductees that have been confirmed with more legends set to be added to the class in the coming weeks.

Though it’s still happening on the Friday of WrestleMania week, this represents a change from how the Hall of Fame ceremony has been presented in recent years. It had taken place immediately after SmackDown — from the same venue as the episode — since 2022.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame ceremony are going on sale to the general public at 11 a.m. Eastern/8 a.m. Pacific this Friday (March 14). Leading into that, there will be a ticket pre-sale beginning this Wednesday (March 12).

WWE has partnered with Fontainebleau Las Vegas as the official hotel of WrestleMania 41, and it’s noted that additional WWE events taking place at the venue will be announced soon. The hotel, located on the Las Vegas Strip, opened in December 2023.

“As the official host hotel and the resort to be, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is offering WWE fans up to 30% off room rates for new and existing Fontainebleau Rewards Members, the best guaranteed rate at Fontainebleau Las Vegas during WrestleMania 41,” WWE wrote in a press release. “More details on WrestleMania 41 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas can be found online. Additional WWE events taking place at Fontainebleau Las Vegas will be announced in the coming weeks.”

WrestleMania 41 is being held at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20.

Lex Luger to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Former WCW World Champion and WWF star Lex Luger is being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

WWE revealed today that Luger is the latest member to join the 2025 Hall of Fame class. Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Michelle McCool are the other two confirmed inductees so far, with The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Tugboat) also rumored to be part of this year’s class.

Luger was informed of his induction during a recent visit from Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes:

“If you asked me 20 years ago, I thought my life had taken such a dark path that wrestling was a dead-end for me from there on out,” Luger said. “To see it come full circle here — man, I’m thrilled.”

Luger — who has worked to turn his life around after battling drug and alcohol abuse issues in the past — told Insight with Chris Van Vliet last month that he hoped to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame one day but would still feel like he had a great career even if he never got inducted.

Recently, Luger has been working with Diamond Dallas Page to improve his mobility. He is confined to a wheelchair because of a spinal stroke he suffered in 2007, but DDP shared a video in February where Luger was able to stand up from his wheelchair on his own without assistance. Luger also stood up to hug Rhodes when he was informed of his Hall of Fame induction.

Because of the impact Dusty Rhodes had on his career, Luger said it’s “very, very special” that Cody was the person to break this news to him.

The 66-year-old Luger (Lawrence Pfohl) is among the most famous wrestling stars of the 1980s-1990s. His career highlights include two WCW World Championships, a Royal Rumble win (shared with Bret Hart), and several United States, Tag Team, and TV title reigns.

Details regarding the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony have not been announced yet. It will be taking place in Las Vegas this April during WrestleMania 41 week.

Levesque posted the following tweet congratulating Luger on his induction:

Report: Natural Disasters to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame

Posted on by Josh Nason

Notable 1990s tag team The Natural Disasters will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, according to WrestleVotes.

Made up of the late Earthquake (John Tenta) and the 68-year-old Typhoon (Fred Ottman/Tugboat), the two held the then-WWF World Tag Team titles in 1992, winning them from Money Inc.’s Ted DiBiase & IRS, defending them against the Beverly Brothers once, and then losing them back to Money Inc. three months later.

The two teamed for roughly 19 months from May 1991 through December 1992. Following their split, Earthquake went back to singles action and eventually became Golga in The Oddities before departing in the spring of 2001. Typhoon also went back to singles competition until his WWE run ended in August 1994. He retired in 2009.

Once confirmed, they will join Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Michelle McCool as the inductees announced thus far.

The ceremony will take place during WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lex Luger ‘always hopeful’ for WWE Hall of Fame induction

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Lex Luger remains hopeful that a WWE Hall of Fame induction is in his future.

Speaking on a new episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Luger said he has an “awesome” relationship with WWE and has been part of their Legends program for more than 10 years now. It would be an honor to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, but Luger still feels like he had a great career even if that never happens.

“Well, people say that good things come to those who wait,” Luger responded when asked about a potential induction. “Always hopeful. If not, I still feel I had a great career. There’s a lot of deserving guys other than me who still aren’t in as well. So, yeah, it would be a huge honor though — if and when it happens.”

Luger said he does not know why he hasn’t been inducted yet, but it’s not something he takes personally. He feels there are a lot of deserving candidates that have not been inducted.

“You know, I don’t know what criteria they do, because there’s a lot of other guys too that should have been in,” he said. “So I don’t know if it was me personally or anything with Vince [McMahon] at all. I’m not sure about that. Only they can answer that.”

Though he has a great relationship with WWE now, it wasn’t always this way. Luger said he “absolutely” takes responsibility for the mistakes he’s made in the past, including being a contributing factor to Miss Elizabeth’s death because of the lifestyle he was leading when they were together. Elizabeth died at 42 years old in 2003 due to an accidental drug overdose. Luger said he understands that some fans will never forgive him for Elizabeth’s death.

Luger believes that WWE has seen that he’s truly a changed person now. He told Van Vliet that the company has been a blessing in his life, and being under a WWE Legends deal has helped him financially.

“I think they waited and saw — I think they observed that I was a different guy now. And I felt that they learned to maybe trust who I was, that this wasn’t some temporary thing, that this is the new Lex and this is the direction he’s headed with his life,” Luger said. “So I’m thankful. They’ve been a real blessing in every way, including financially. You know, they gave me new merch out and [send what] the guys call ‘mailbox money.’

“So I’m very thankful for them welcoming me back into the family and making me a part of WWE. Obviously, the Hall of Fame would be the whipped cream and cherry on top for sure. If I never get in the Hall of Fame, I feel like I had a great career. That won’t change it, but it would obviously be a huge honor. It would be like definitely the creme de la creme, for sure. No doubt.”

Luger, 66, said he’s loving life and wakes up every day thanking God for the breath in his lungs and the beat of his heart. He’s confined to a wheelchair because of a spinal stroke he suffered in 2007, but Luger is working with Diamond Dallas Page to improve his mobility. DDP shared a video last week showing Luger standing up from his wheelchair on his own without assistance.

Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Michelle McCool are the first two inductees confirmed for the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2025. Details regarding the ceremony have not been announced yet.

Van Vliet’s full interview with Luger can be watched below:

Daily Update: WWE on A&E ratings, Hall of Fame, AEW Meal and a Match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the highlights:

  • 2024 Awards issue with the top finishers in every category, notes about the results and previous winners in all categories dating back to 1980.  
  • Wrestler of the Year, MMA MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Most Outstanding Fighter, Tag team of the Year, Best on Interviews, Promotion of the Year, Best Weekly TV show, Pro Wrestling match of the year, MMA Fight of the Year, U.S./Canada MVP, Japanese MVP, Mexico MVP, Europe MVP, Junior Heavyweight MVP, Women’s MVP, Women’s MMA MVP, Feud of the Year, Best Box Office draw, Most Improved, Most Charismatic, Best Technical Wrestler, Best Brawler, Best Flyer, Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Rookie of the Year, Best non-wrestler, Best TV announcer, Worst TV announcer, Best major show, Worst major show, Best maneuver, Most disgusting promotional tactic, Worst TV show, Worst match, Worst feud, Worst promotion, Best booker, Promoter of the Year, Best gimmick, Worst gimmick, Best Pro Wrestling book and Best pro wrestling documentary.
  • The most detailed look and update on the Vince McMahon situation related to the most recent court case and evidence in that case. This talks about judges believing there is reason to believe McMahon and another person committed crimes regarding keeping information from the WWE.
  • AEW’s releases and backstory regarding them
  • Update on Chris Bey
  • Major story on WWE releases
  • Notes on the next four major AEW & WWE shows
  • Business notes and overall interest levels of the shows
  • UFC 312 coverage
  • Hirooki Goto wins IWGP title, the story behind one of the great emotional moments as well as a look at the New Japan Cup, and what may have been the best wrestling show so far this year
  • AEW fires Bear Boulder
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the shows held over the past week, including comparisons with a year ago and a ton of info on Raw on Netflix
  • AAA announces 2025 plans for biggest show plus a big signing and a new TV deal
  • Champion Carnival notes
  • Fantastica Mania notes
  • The death of Jamie Hemmings
  • Hall of Famer has major accusations made about them by wife
  • Death of Duane Koslowski, a major part of the 1989 U-Cosmos show in his match with Nobuhiko Takada which at the time set the all-time pro wrestling gate record and was the first-ever Tokyo Dome sellout, held the night after Mike Tyson drew a half house with Buster Douglas
  • Front office changes in TNA
  • Lots more on MAX as it relates to AEW wrestling
  • The strange story of AEW hiring Rita Chatterton
  • Update on UFC media rights
  • PFL tournament news
  • What combat sports athletes made the list of 100 top paid athletes in the world
  • Linda McMahon hearing
  • WWE stock sets records
  • Evolve tapings
  • Notes on WWE LFG show
  • How much Smackdown helps the USA Network

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Thursday Update

WWE

  • The season premiere of WWE’s Sunday night programming block on A&E drew the following ratings on February 16:
    • WWE LFG: 160,000 viewers (0.05 rating in 18-49)
    • WWE Rivals: 178,000 viewers (0.05 rating in 18-49)
    • WWE’s Greatest Moments: 169,000 viewers (0.04 rating in 18-49)
  • Bryan Alvarez notes that WWE will be having tryouts for a small amount of indie talent over the next few weeks: “Some extremely small WWE tryouts will happen over the next few weeks with indie talent. Likely under 5 people per tryout.”
  • WrestleVotes reports that WWE is considering a change to the format for this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony:
    • After speaking with sources, we’ve heard varying speculation about when and where the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place. Some within the company strongly dislike the recent format of the ceremony following SmackDown. We’re told WWE is considering a change, with no mention of the time or place in any WM promotional material so far.
  • While appearing on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Road Dogg said he would be “more than honored” to induct R-Truth into the WWE Hall of Fame one day:
    • I would be more than honored. I love him. I got some people in my life that I love, and he’s one of them.
  • Asuka is now back on X/Twitter after her account was hacked for a few days.
  • WWE has booked a stipulation match for NXT’s house show in Sebring, Florida this Saturday. It will be Je’Von Evans vs. Ethan Page in a lumberjack match.
  • Becky Lynch made an Instagram post promoting the paperback version of her “Becky Lynch: The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl” memoir, which is being released on Tuesday, March 4.
  • The complete soundtrack for WWE 2K25 has now been revealed:
    • “Fuel” by Eminem featuring JID
    • “Suffocate” by Knocked Loose featuring Poppy
    • “Arabi” by Mohamed Ramadan, Future & Masari
    • “Packapunch” by Joey Valence & Brae featuring Danny Brown
    • “Hurt You” by Spiritbox
    • “It’s Supposed to Hurt” by House of Protection
    • “The Thin Grey Line” by $uicideboy$
    • “Curse” by Architects
    • “Black Flag Freestyle” by Denzel Curry & That Mexican OT
    • “Halfway to Hell” by Jelly Roll
    • “Backbone” by Chase & Status and Stormzy
    • “Doblexxo” by J Balvin & Feid
    • “Hertz” by Amyl & The Sniffers
    • “Ratatata” by Babymetal & Electric Callboy
    • “Only Pain” by Gojira
  • Liv Morgan was the guest on No-Contest Wrestling this week.
  • The Toronto Sun spoke with Carmelo Hayes.
  • Kevin Iole has an interview with Big E.

Other Wrestling

  • A new episode of AEW Meal and a Match premiered on YouTube today with Mercedes Mone appearing as Renee Paquette & RJ City’s guest.
  • AEW’s YouTube channel uploaded the full Hangman Page & MJF face-to-face confrontation from last night’s Dynamite.
  • Harley Cameron appeared on Busted Open After Dark following Dynamite.
  • After his release from WWE, Cedric Alexander is now being represented by Paragon Talent Group – a talent agency co-founded by Dean Muhtadi (the former Mojo Rawley). Alexander posted today: “Booking inquiries please email: [email protected] Wrestling, Seminars, signings and etc”
  • Due to a scheduling conflict, Mance Warner won’t be appearing at GCW Ashes to Ashes. He had been scheduled to face Slade at the Saturday, March 15 event in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
  • Josh Barnett announced that Timothy Thatcher and Tom Lawlor will be competing at Bloodsport XIII in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 17. Their matches have not been revealed yet.
  • Brock Anderson is the latest confirmed entrant for MLW Battle Riot VII in los Angeles on Saturday, April 5.
  • Maria Kanellis and her husband Mike Bennett have launched a new podcast called “Adult Conversations.” Here is the description for the show:
    • Mike and Maria in Wonderland is all grown up. Well, ALMOST. After a tumultuous last couple years Mike and Maria try to reconnect with sharing their favorite Podcasts, Books, and Favorite Quotes. They discuss Parenting, Politics, Personal Growth, Physical Fitness, and Psychology and try to have Adult Conversations. ‘It’s time to [grow] up and be an adult.’

JNPO: Mark Henry’s big dreams for All Caribbean Wrestling

Posted on by Josh Nason

Note: You can listen to this show free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts by searching for “Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online.”

For the first time ever, a WWE Hall of Famer joins Josh Nason’s Punch-Out as former WWE World Champion and two-time U.S. Olympian Mark Henry stops by.

The primary reason: All Caribbean Wrestling, an organization I have been following for a few months after learning that Henry is the legitimate CEO of the group. Having visited the region several times, I have always been curious about the wrestling scene and if there is one.

In our talk, we delve into that, why Henry decided to get involved in the first place and what his goals are for the organization which includes some impending U.S. shows and their summer debut in Barbados. He also reveals one of his strategies and an NBA Hall of Famer who could be stopping by soon.

We also get updates on his son who is under a WWE NIL deal and his thoughts on his time in AEW.

Click here to listen (no sub needed)

***If you have 20 minutes, please check out my appearance on Mike McGuire’s weekly wrestling show where we recap AEW Grand Slam Australia, also available wherever you get your podcasts like Spotify.

Layla reacts to Michelle McCool WWE HOF induction: ‘Truly so happy for you’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Laya is excited to see her friend Michelle McCool join the WWE Hall of Fame.

On Friday, WWE confirmed that McCool will be inducted into their Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 41 week in Las Vegas. The first two inductees confirmed for this year’s class are Paul “Triple H” Levesque and McCool.

The announcement of McCool’s induction was made on ESPN’s Get Up this morning with Levesque surprising her with the news. During her WWE career, McCool had multiple reigns as Women’s Champion and Divas Champion. She’s best remembered for her team with Layla, which included a period of time where they were co-champions together.

“What wonderful news today! No one is more deserving of this recognition and accomplishment,” Layla posted on social media this afternoon. “I’m truly so happy for you, Chelle! Everyone, please show your love to Michelle—she’s incredible and so dear to me. #WellDeserved #Proud”

McCool responded: “Love you so much!!!!”

After taking a break from the public eye, Layla said in December 2024 that she’s now open to a WWE return and would like to have LayCool reunite for an appearance or short run.

Michelle McCool to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Michelle McCool is the second confirmed entrant for the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2025.

During a Friday morning appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, McCool was surprised with the news that she will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania week in Las Vegas this April. McCool and her husband The Undertaker were on Get Up to promote WWE’s new LFG series — and Paul “Triple H” Levesque appeared via video to reveal that McCool is being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Both McCool and The Undertaker got emotional upon hearing Levesque’s announcement. McCool said she’s honored to be inducted alongside Levesque, who is the headlining member of this year’s class.

“Thank you so much. I don’t like to cry,” McCool said. “It’s an honor to go in with you, Paul. Thank you so much.”

“It’s an honor to have you go in,” Levesque responded. “It’s long overdue. You’re one of the women that sort of transformed what we do and brought it into the modern era that were the first to combine the athleticism with what we do. And — just amazing. So happy for you, and what a well-deserved honor. Congratulations.”

McCool had four reigns as Women’s/Divas Champion during her WWE career. She’s mostly been retired since 2011 but has returned for a few in-ring cameos, most recently appearing as a surprise entrant in the 2023 women’s Royal Rumble.

“I’m speechless, I’m overwhelmed,” McCool responded when asked for her reaction to joining the WWE Hall of Fame. “It’s hard to believe that you can deserve that honor. And it’s just — an honor.”

While being interviewed on a recent episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet, the 45-year-old McCool said she would obviously be honored to go into the Hall of Fame as herself, but she was hoping to be inducted as LayCool with her friend Layla.

McCool and The Undertaker are now both WWE Hall of Famers with Undertaker having been inducted in 2022.

VIDEO: WWE confirms Triple H’s Hall of Fame induction

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Paul “Triple H” Levesque will indeed headline the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

After a report of the impending induction leaked Wednesday, WWE confirmed the news of Triple H’s induction on Wednesday evening, including releasing video of Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker announcing the news at a meeting in Stamford, Connecticut at WWE headquarters.

The news was presented as a surprise to Levesque at a town hall meeting on Wednesday also featuring WWE president Nick Khan, and TKO Group CEO Mark Shapiro

Levesque’s wife Stephanie McMahon also made an appearance:

Stephanie noted in a social media post that the news was also a surprise to her, and congratulated her husband:

Levesque is a 14-time World Champion in WWE, and was also inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2019 as a member of D-Generation X. He had his last match in 2019 on a WWE tour of Japan, and officially retired from in-ring competition in 2022 after suffering from heart failure in 2021.

Triple H has served in a variety of front office positions in WWE since his full-time in-ring career wound down in 2010, including multiple executive vice president titles. He has served in the role of chief content officer for the company since September 2022.

Kurt Angle would be honored to induct John Cena into WWE Hall of Fame

Posted on by Joseph Currier

When John Cena joins the WWE Hall of Fame one day, Kurt Angle would be honored to induct him.

Angle was the guest on a new episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet uploaded on Tuesday. The subject of Cena’s impending retirement came up during their conversation, and Van Vliet asked Angle about potentially inducting Cena into the WWE Hall of Fame. Angle said he would be honored to do it, but there are a lot of people who would be good choices.

“Well, I’ll tell you this, there are a lot of people that deserve to induct John,” Angle said. “Randy Orton, who was his biggest — I guess competition, or his nemesis. But Stephanie McMahon, don’t forget that she’s the one that discovered his rapping ability, and she was a big fan of his. She really supported him quite often. But, no, I’d be honored to induct John Cena. The one thing I want to say about him is he has shown that he is possibly the greatest WWE Superstar of all time. Winning 16 World Heavyweight titles in one company — Ric Flair won 16, but he won them in NWA and WCW and WWE, and you can’t take that away from him, they were all major promotions. But to do it all in one company, that makes you that company’s greatest star. And I really believe that he deserves another title before he retires.”

Cena is on a retirement tour that will conclude with him having his final match in December 2025. A WWE Hall of Fame induction is inevitable at some point, but it isn’t known when Cena will be going in. Angle was the headliner of the 2017 Hall of Fame class with Cena inducting him. The two have been linked together ever since Angle was the opponent for Cena’s first-ever televised WWE match in 2002.

While Angle would love to be the opponent for Cena’s retirement match, that will not be happening. Angle admits that he can’t wrestle anymore, and he recently hurt his back just bumping in the ring for an NFL commercial.

“No, I can’t wrestle anymore. Actually, you know what I did? I did wrestle about two months ago. I did a commercial for CBS,” Angle said. “And it was for the NFL pre-game for the [Baltimore] Ravens and [Pittsburgh] Steelers. So me and a gentleman named Kyle Brandt, he’s a sportscaster for CBS, he pretended he was the Ravens and I pretended I was the Steelers. We had a pro wrestling match and I was bumping.

“No, no, no [there’s no chance of Angle wrestling again]. Because what happened was, I threw my back out. And I couldn’t walk for a week after that. My wife was like, you’re never getting in that ring again. And she’s right. I shouldn’t have even got in the ring, but it was a lot of fun to do it. But I would love to wrestle John Cena. There’s nobody that wants to wrestle John more than I do for his retirement match, especially with the respect I have for him. I just can’t do it.”

A match between the two is not possible, but Angle would be open to appearing for a segment during Cena’s retirement tour.

“Yeah, that could be possible,” he told Van Vliet. “If they need me to do something like that, you know, that’s cool.”

The full podcast episode is available below: